LBOIS.    I  H.  R. 


llrn 


L.ETTER 


THE   PRESIDENT 


BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS  OF  PUBLIC  WORKS 


THE    STATE    OF    ILLINOIS, 


RELATIVE   TO 


NORTHERN  END  OF  THE  CENTRAL  RAILROAD 


SUBMITTED    TO 


THE  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES, 
JANUARY  30,  1839. 


VANDALIA,  ILL. 

WIUJAJK  WALTERS,  Public  Printer. 

1839. 


REPORT 


THE    BOARD   OF    PUBLIC    WORKS. 


JANUARY  30,  1839. 

Read,  laid  on  the  table,  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 


INTERNAL  IMPROVEMENT  OFFICE, 

Vandalia,  January  29,  1 839. 
To  the  Hon.  the  SPEAKER  of  the  House  of  Representatives: 

SIR:  In  accordance  with  a  certain  resolution  adopted  by  the  House  of 
Representatives  on  the  14th  inst.,  calling  on  the  Board  of  Commissioners 
of  Public  Works  for  information  relative  to  the  prosecution  of  the  work 
on  the  northern  end  of  the  Central  railroad;  and.  in  answer  to  the  first 
inquiry,  to  wit:  "Such  communications  (if  any)  as  may  have  passed 
between  the  citizens  of  Galena,  assembled  in  town  meeting,  and  the 
Board  of  Public  Works,  relative  to  the  northern  termination  of  the  Cen- 
tral railroad;  and,  also,  from  the  trustees  of  the  town  of  Galena  to  the 
Board  of  Public  Works,  on  the  same  subject,  or  to  the  Commissioner  of 
the  sixth  judicial  circuit:"  the  Board  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  fol- 
lowing communication,  marked  A,  as  comprising  all  the  communications 
that  have  passed  between  the  citizens  of  Galena,  assembled  in  town 
meetings,  and  the  Board  of  Public  Works,  relative  to  the  northern  termi- 
nation of  the  Central  railroad;  and  the  following  communication,  mark- 
ed B,  on  the  same  subject,  comprises  the  correspondence  from  the  trus- 
tees of  the  town  of  Galena  with  the  Board  of  Public  Works. 

In  answer  to  the  second  inquiry:  "Whether  the  northern  termination 
of  the  Central  railroad  has  yet  been  located;  and,  if  so,  whether  such 
termination  is  north  or  south  of  Fever  river:"'  the  Board  have  to  state,, 
that  they  have  had  the  subject  under  mature  deliberation,  and  given  it  a 
thorough  examination,  and  find  that  the  Commissioner  of  the  sixth  judi- 
cial circuit  has  not  made  any  decision  on  the  subject;  and  he  thinks  the 
subject  of  sufficient  importance  to  require  legislative  action,  and  express- 
ed his  desire  that  it  should  be  referred  to  the  Legislature. 

They  have  also  had  before  them  a  letter  from  Col.  J."W.  Stephenson, 
late  Commissioner  of  said  circuit,  a  copy  ot  which  is  herewith  annexed, 
marked  C;  by  which  it  will  be  seen  that  no  definite  action  had  been 
taken  by  him  on  the  subject;  and  the  Board,  so  far  from  having  made 
any  decision  whatever  in  regard  to  it,  most  cheerfully  concur  with  the 
present  Commissioner  of  the  sixth  judicial  circuit  in  the  opinion  that  it 
is  a  fit  subject  for  legislative  action. 

.Yt  .H  .ft 


In  answer  lo  the  third  inquiry:  "At  what  place  on  Rock  river  the 
said  Board  of  Public  Works  have  determined  that  the  Central  railroad 
shall  cross,  and  their  reasons  why  a  more  direct  route  from  Peru,  on  the 
Illinois  river,  to  Savannah,  on  the  Mississippi  river,  has  not  been  adopt- 
ed:" the  Board  have  to  state,  that  they  have  not  yet  determined  where 
the  Central  railroad  shall  cross  Rock  river,  the  line  not  having  been 
definitively  located  from  Rocky  ford,  or  inlet,  to  Savannah. 

In  answer  to  the  fourth  inquiry:  "What  amount  of  money  will  be  re- 
quired to  improve  the  rapids  of  Rock  river,  in  range  7,  east  of  the  4th 
principal  meridian;  and,  also,  what  amount  ot  water-power  will  he  obtain- 
ed by  said  improvement:"  the  Board  refer  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives to  the  report  of  O.  Blane,  senior  assistant  engineer  of  the  Rock 
river  improvement,  appended  to  the  report  of  the  Commissioner  of  the 
sixth  judicial  circuit,  which  was  laid  before  the  House  of  Represen- 
tatives by  fhe  Governor,  on  the  27th  Descmber,  1838. 

In  answer  to  the  fifth  inquiry:  "Whether  this  water-power  would  not 
be  brought  into  more  immediate  use,  and  rendered  more  valuable  to  the 
State,  if  the  Central  railroad  should  cross  Rock  river  at  that  point:" 
the  Board  are  unable  to  answer,  not  having  in  their  possession  a  report 
from  the  engineer  on  the  subject.  But,  in  order  to  furnish  all  informa- 
tion desired,  thuy  have  transmitted  a  copy  of  that  portion  of  the  resolu- 
tion relative  to  this  matter  to  the  engineer  in  charge  of  said  improve- 
ment, with  instructions  to  report  on  the  same  at  as  early  a  period  as 
practicable;  and,  on  receipt  of  said  report,  the  Board  will  furnish  the 
House  with  the  information  desired. 

In  answer  to  the  sixth  inquiry:  "Whether  the  line  of  the  Central 
railroad  adopted  is  longer  or  shorte^than  another  line  from  Peru,  on 
the  Illinois  river,  via  the  rapids  on  Rock  river,  to  Savannah,  on  the 
Mississippi  river,  and  the  comparative  cost  of  construction  of  the  two 
routes:''  the  Board  have  to  state  that  there  has  not  been  any  line  adop- 
ted by  the  Board;  but,  in  order  to  afford  the  House  of  Representatives 
every  information  on  the  subject,  the  Board  refer  them  to  the  annexed 
report  of  Wm.  B.  Gilbert,  marked  D. 

In  answer  to  the  seventh  inquiry:  "And  that  they  report  to  this  House 
their  reasons  for  leaving  an  interval  of  ten  or  twelve  miles  between  that 
part  of  the  Central  railroad  already  put  under  contract  from  Galena 
south,  and  that  part  proposed  by  the  Board  of  Public  Works  to  be  put 
under  contract  during  the  ensuing  six  months,  east  from  Savannah  tow- 
ards Rock  river:"  the  Board  have  to  report  that,  in  making  their  deci- 
sion, they  had  in  view  the  25th  section  of  the  internal  improvement  law; 
by  which  it  will  be  seen  that  they  are  required  to  commence  at  the  nav- 
igable streams,  <fcc.  If,  however,  in  the  wisdom  of  the  Legislature,  it 
should  be  found  more  conducive  to  the  public  interest  to  proceed  in  a 
continuous  line,  the  change  could  be  made  without  in  the  least  affect- 
ing or  producing  any  disconcert  whatever  in  the  arrangement  of  the 
Board. 

Respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

WILLIAM  KINNEY, 

President  B.  P.  W. 

WILLIAM  PRENTISS, 
Seoetary  B.  P.  W. 


A. 

MAT  24,  1838. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Galena,  convened  at  the  court-house 
the  44th  of  May,  1838,  Elijah  Charles,  Esq.  was  called  to  the  chair, 
and  Reuben  W.  Brush  appointed  secretary.  The  following  resolu- 
tions were  adopted: 

Resohed,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  enter  into  a  cor 
respondence  with  Col.  J.  \V.  Stephenson,  acting  Commissioner  of  Public 
Works  for  the  sixth  judicial  circuit,  to  ascertain  from  him  what  has  been 
and  will  be  done  in  relation  to  the  northern  termination  of  the  Central 
railroad,  and  to  report  at  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  citizens. 

The  following  named  gentlemen  were  appointed  by  the  chair,  that 
committee:  John  Stark,  T<  Drummond,  Chas.  S.  Hempstead,  R.  W. 
Carson,  J.  Wycth. 

Resolved,  That  said  committee  transmit  to  said  Commissioner  a  copy 
of  the  proceedings  of  a  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Galena,  held  on  the 
l?th  iust.,  on  this  subject,  and  request  from  him  an  answer  expressive  of 
his  views  therein.  And  then  the  meeting  adjourned  till  Monday,  at 
5  o'clork,  P.  M. 

ELIJAH  CHARLES,  Chairman. 

REUBEN  W.  BRUSH,  Secretary. 


MAY  '28,  1838. 

The  committee  appointed  on  the  24th  inst.  under  the  following  reso- 
lution: 

"Resolved,  Tha*  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  enter  into  a  cor- 
respondence with  Col.  J.  W.  Stephenson,  acting  Commissioner  of  Public 
Works  for  the  sixth  judicial  circuit,  to  ascertain  Irom  him  what  has  been 
done  and  what  will  be  done,  in  relation  to  the  northern  termination  of 
the  Central  railroad,  and  to  report  to  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  citi- 
zens,"— beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  report: 

That  on  Friday  afternoon,  '25th  inst.,  they  sent  a  letter  to  Col.  Jas.  W. 
Stephenson,  acting  Commissioner  for  this  circuit,  a  copy  of  which  is 
herunto  annexed,  but  have  not  received  any  reply  thereto. 

JOHN  STARK, 
T.  DRUMMOND, 
C.  S.  HEMPSTEAD, 
R.  W.  CARSON, 
J.  WYETH. 


GALENA,  May  25,  1838. 

To  Col.  JAS.  W.  STEPHENSON, 

Acting  Commissioner  of  Board  Public  Works  for  Sixth  Circuit. 
SIR:  At  a  meeting  of  the  citizens   of  Galena  held  yesterday,  a  copy 
of  the  prcceedings  of  which  are   here   enclosed,  the  undersigned  were 
appointed  a  committee  to   correspond  with   the  Commissioner  for  this 
circuit  upon  matters  expressed  in  the  copy  of  the  proceedings. 


They  were  also  directed  to  furnish  the  Commissioner  with  a  copy  of 
the  proceedings  of  a  meeting  held  on  the  l7th  inst.,  and  which  is  also 
here  enclosed. 

The  committee  deem  it  due  both  to  the  inhabitants  of  Galena  and  to 
the  Commissioner,  to  endeavor  to  disclose,  as  fully  as  possible,  the  state 
of  public  feeling  and  sentiment  upon  the  subject  of  the  termination  of 
the  Central  railroad;  and  the  committee  will  not  believe,  for  one  mo- 
ment, that  the  wishes  and  opinions  of  the  community,  when  once  un- 
derstood, will  be  disregarded,  however  widely  the  citizens  and  the  Com- 
missioner may  differ  in  the  construction  of  the  law. 

An  impression  prevails  in  the  minds  of  the  citizens,  that  the  line  of 
the  railroad  has  been  laid  out  so  that  the  termination  must  of  necessity 
be  on  the  eastern  bank  of  Fever  river,  and  that  it  is  not  intended  that 
the  road  shall  cross  the  river. 

Whether  this  impression  be  correct  or  not,  the  committee  have  no 
means  of  positively  knowing,  having  never  seen  any  official  statement 
or  admission  of  the  fact. 

But  the  impression,  whether  correct  or  not,  has  called  forth  a  decided 
and  almost  unanimous  declaration  of  opinion  from  the  citizens,  that  they 
consider  that  to  locate  the  termination  of  the  railroad  on  the  eastern 
side  of  Fever  river,  would  be  highly  injurious  to  their  interests. 

A  large  majority  of  the  citizens,  among  whom  are  the  members  of 
this  committee,  do  not  think  that  the  law  has  even  left  it  optional  with 
the  Commissioners  to  terminate  the  railroad  on  either  side  of  the  river. 
They  think  that  the  law  makes  it  obligatory  on  them  to  terminate  it 
on  the  west  side. 

The  committee  do  not  propose  to  argue  the  question  at  this  time; 
they  only  wish  to  state  facts  as  to  the  opinions  and  sentiments  of  the 
public. 

Upon  this  branch  of  the  subject,  it  only  remains  to  state  that,  in  case 
the  impression  above  alluded  to  be  correct,  it  is  the  expressed  wish  of 
at  least  ninetcen-twentieths  of  the  inhabitants  of  Galena,  that  a  re- 
survey  be  made,  or  other  measures  lakcn  to  locate  the  termination  of  the 
road  at  the  west  side  of  Fever  river. 

The  committee  beg  leave  most  respectfully  to  inquire  of  the  Com- 
missioner what  has  already  been  done  under  authority  of  the  Inter- 
nal Improvement  law,  and  what  will  be  done  in  relation  to  the  northern 
termination  of  the  Central  railroad;  and,  in  further  pursuance  of  their 
instructions  from  the  meeting,  they  have  to  request  the  Commissioner 
to  favor  them  with  an  expression  of  his  views  upon  the  proceedings  of 
the  seventeenth  instart. 

With  sentiments  of  respect, 

Your  friends  and  obedient  servants, 

JOHN  STARK, 
T.  DRUMMOND, 
C.  S.  HEMPSTEAD, 
R.  W.  CARSON, 
J.  WYETH. 


B. 

TRUSTEES'  OEFICE,  GALENA.,  May  28,  1838. 

Whereas,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Board,  the  present  location  of  the 
northern  termination  of  the  Central  railroad  on  the  east  side  of  Fever 
river  is  a  measure  hostile  to  the  interests  of  this  town,  and  in  violation 
of  law: 

Now,  therefore,  we  the  trustees,  in  town  council  convened,  do  hereby 
protest  against  the  present  location  of  the  said  northern  termination, 
and  request  the  Board  of  Public  Works  to  order  a  re-survey  of  the  line 
to  Galena,  in  such  a  way  as  fully  to  redress  the  grievance.  This  protest 
to  be  forwarded  to  the  Board  of  Public  Works,  under  the  seal  of  the 
corporation. 

In  testimony  whereof,  we   have  hereunto  set  our  names,  this 
£  L.  s.  ]     28th  May,  1&38,  and  caused  the   seal  of  the  corporation  to 
be  hereunto  affixed. 

DAN.  WANN,  Preset  P.  T. 
H.  H.  GEAR, 
JOHN  DOWLING, 
JOHN  L.  SLAYMAKER, 
DUDLEY  SIMMONS, 
D.  B.  MOREHOUSE. 
Attest:    W.  B.  GREEN,  CFk. 


MAY  !28,  1838. 

The  meeting  of  the  citizens  convened  on  the  24th  inst.  for  the  pur- 
pose of  taking  into  consideration  the  termination  of  the  Central  rail- 
road, and  adjourned  to  this  day,  met  agreeable  to  adjournment;  Elijah 
Charles,  Esq.  in  the  chair,  and  R.  W.  Brush,  secretary. 

The  proceedings  of  the  former  meeting  were  read,  and  the  committee 
appointed  under  a  resolution  passed  at  said  meeting  made  report  that 
they  had  addressed  a  communication  to  Col.  Jas.  W.  Stephenson,  Com- 
missioner of  the  Board  of  Public  Works  for  the  sixth  judicial  circuit,  on 
the  subject  alluded  to  in  said  resolutions,  but  had  received  no  answer. 
A  copy  of  the  communication  was  read  by  the  charirman  of  said  com- 
mittee, and  the  report  accepted. 

The  following  resolutions  were  offered  and  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting,  and  of  former  meet- 
ings on  this  subject,  be  published  in  the  papers  of  Galena,  and  trans- 
mitted to  the  Board  of  Public  Works  at  Vandalia,  signed  by  the  chair- 
man and  secretary. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  address  a  communication, 
explanatory  ol  the  proceedings  above  alluded  to,  to  the  Commissioners 
of  Public  Works  at  Vandalia. 

The  following  named  gentlemen  were  appointed  by  the  chair,  that 
committee:  Thomas  Drummond,  William  Smith,  and  Daniel  Wann. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  correspondence  appointed  at  the 
first  meeting,  whenever  they  shall  receive  an  answer  from  the  acting 


8 

Commissioner  of  the  Board  of  Public  Works  for  the  sixth  judicial  circuit, 
on  the  subject  of  their  communication  of  the  25th  inst.,  cause  the  same 
to  be  published  in  the  papers  of  Galena,  and  transmit  a  copy  to  the 
Board  of  Public  Works  at  Vandalia. 

Resolved,  That  the  meeting  adjourn  sine  die. 

ELIJAH  CHARLES,  Chairman. 

REUBEN  W.  BRUSH,  Secretary. 


GALENA,  May  29,  1838. 

To  the  BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS 

of  Public  Works  for  the  State  of  Illinois. 

GENTLEMEN:  At  a  very  large  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Galena  held 
yesterday,  the  undersigned  were  appointed  a  committee  to  send  a  com- 
munication to  your  Board  explanatory  of  certain  proceedings  which 
have  taken  pl.ice  at  various  public  meetings  of  the  citizens,  convened 
for  the  purpose  of  expressing  their  views  in  relation  to  the  northern 
termination  of  <he  Central  railroad;  and,  in  compliance  with  the  wishes 
of  their  fellow  citizens,  they  now  address  you. 

At  the  time  of  the  passage  of  the  act  to  establish  and  maintain  a  sys- 
tem of  Internal  Improvement,  Feb.  27,  1837,  the  town  of  Galena  was 
almost  entirely  situated  on  the  west  bank  of  Fever  river,  and  so  it  still 
remains.  It  being  understood  that  the  acting  Commissioner  for  this 
circuit  had  terminated  the  Central  railroad  on  the  east  side  of  the  river, 
at  some  considerable  distance  from  the  centre  of  business  and  popula- 
tion, it  was  proposed  to  call  a  public  meeting  in  order  to  express  the 
sentiments  of  the  citizens  upon  the  subject.  The  survey  had  been  made, 
it  was  believed,  and  the  road  so  terminated  that  it  never  could  be,  at  any 
future  time,  brought  across  the  river;  and  as  it  was  supposed  that  avast 
majority  of  the  people  of  this  town  were  of  the  opinion  that  the  rail- 
road ought  to  terminate  on  the  west  bank  of  Fever  river;  that  the  depot 
should  be  there  established,  and  that  the  law  contemplated  that  it  should 
terminate  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  the  president  and  trustees  of  the 
town,  on  the  loth  inst.,  requested  a  meeting  of  the  citizens  for  the  pur- 
pose of  taking  the  subject  into  consideration.  Accordingly,  on  the  17th 
instant,  a  meeting  of  the  citizens  took  place  in  pursuance  of  the  call  of 
the  trustees;  at  which  meeting  several  resolutions  were  passed  almost 
unanimously;  and  we  herewith  enclose  to  your  Board  a  copy  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  that  meeting. 

The  Board  will  observe  that  a  preamble  to  the  resolutions  declares 
that  the  law  contemplated  that  the  road  should  terminate  on  the  west 
bank  of  the  river.  We  do  not;ntend,at  this  time,  to  enter  into  a  gen- 
eral argument  to  show  that  such  is  the  true  construction  of  the  law.  We 
will  merely  state  that  the  acts  of  Congress  laying  off  the  town  of  Ga- 
lena, and  the  proceedings  of  the  commissioners  appointed  under  the  last 
of  those  acts — the  limits  of  the  town  as  defined  and  understood  at  the 
time  of  the  passage  of  the  Internal  Improvement  law — what  took  place 
before  the  committee  on  Internal  Improvements  when  a  proposition  was 
introduced  that  the  road  should  end  on  the  east  side  of  (lie  river,  and 
rejected — the  position  and  situation  of  the  town  itself,  then  and  now,  all 
conclusively  prove,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  citizens  of  this  town,  that 


9 

it  is  the  spirit  and  meaning  of  the  law  that  the  railroad  should  ter- 
minate on  tlie  west  bank  of  the  river. 

We  think  also  that  it  can  easily  be  made  to  appear,  not  only  that  such 
is  the  proper  construction  of  the  law,  b  it  that  it  is  for  the  best  interests 
of  the  town  and  State  now,  and  for  all  time  to  come,  that  the  road  should 
so  terminate;  but  the  undersigned  have  not  time  to  enter  into  this  branch 
of  the  subject,  as  it  would  lead  them  into  too  extensive  a  field  of  inves- 
tigation. They  would  only  refer  to  the  various  proceedings  which  have 
taken  place  at  the  public  meetings,  where  those  most  acquainted  with 
the  matter,  and  therefore  best  capable  of  judging,  have  expressed  their 
opinions. 

A  meeting  of  the  citizens  was  subsequently  convened  on  the  22d  in- 
stant, with  a  view  of  taking  measures  to  commemorate  the  commence- 
ment of  the  railroad,  and  a  committee  of  arrangements  was  appointed,  but, 
owing  to  some  misunderstanding  with  the  acting  Commissioner,  nothing 
was  ever  done}  and  they  were  discharged. 

A  meeting  was  also  held  on  the  24th  instant,  a  copy  of  the  proceed- 
ings of  which  is  herewith  enclosed;  at  which  meeting  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  enter  into  a  correspondence  with  Col.  Stephenson,  the 
acting  Commissioner  for  this  circuit.  Accordingly  that  committee  did 
address  a  letter  to  Col.  Stephenson,  a  true  copy  of  which  we  beg  leave 
herewith  to  enclose.  The  letter  was  delivered  to  the  Commissioner  on 
the  afternoon  of  the  25th  instant.  Agreeably  to  the  adjournment  of  the 
meeting  of  the  24th,  another  meeting  took  place  yesterday,  the  proceed- 
ings of  which  we  also  beg  leave  to  enclose  herewith.  At  yesterday's 
meeting  the  committee  of  correspondence  reported  that,  up  to  that  time, 
Col.  Stephenson  had  given  no  reply  to  their  communication;  and  up  to 
this  day  no  reply  has  yet  been  received  by  the  committee.  The  Board 
will  perceive  the  committee  are  directed  to  forward  to  you  a  copy  of  any 
answer  which  may  be  hereafter  received  from  Col.  Stephenson-,  which 
will  of  course  be  done. 

At  the  meeting  yesterday,  a  member  of  the  committee  of  correspon- 
dence stated  that  he  had  had  some  conversation  with  Col.  Stephenson, 
who  informed  him,  and  requested  him  to  inform  the  meeting,  that  his  en- 
gagements had  been  such  that  it  had  not  been  in  his  power  to  reply  to 
the  committee.  But  as  it  was  uncertain  whether  the  reply  of  the  Com- 
missioner would  be  received  in  season  to  be  laid  before  your  Board  at  its 
semi-annual  meeting  on  the  4th  of  June  next,  it  was  considered  advisa- 
ble to  transmit  at  once  the  proceedings  of  the  various  meetings  of  the 
citizens,  together  with  an  explanatory  letter. 

The  undersigned  have  been  requested  also  to  forward  to  you  a  protest 
of  the  president  and  trustees  of  the  town,  against  the  termination  of  the 
road  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  and  several  petitions  to  your  Board, 
calling  for  a  re-survey  of  the  route;  and  they  accordingly  herewith  en- 
close the  papers  referred  to,  and  ask  for  them  an  attentive  considera- 
tion, as  they  contain  the  signatures  of  a  large  portion  of  our  most  re- 
spectable citizens. 

As  an  act  of  justice  to  Co!.  Stephenson,  we  deem  it  our  duty  to  add, 
that  it  is  a  matter  of  great  regret  to  us,  that  his  health  and  his  engage- 
ments have  been  such  as  to  prevent  him  from  making  a  full  statement  of 
all  that  has  been  done  in  relation  to  the  termination  of  the  railroad,  as 


10 

we  do  not  doubt  that  a  letter  from  him  to  the  committee  of  correspon- 
dence would  explain  many  things  in  regard  to  which  there  is  now  much 
misapprehension  among  his  fellow-citizens.  But  it  seems  to  be  rendered 
certain  that  the  Commissioner  has  determined  that  the  road  should  ter- 
minate on  the  east  bank  of  the  river;  and  it  is  against  this  general  con- 
clusion of  the  Commissioner  that  the  citizens  of  this  town  protest. 

It  is  no  exaggeration  to  say  that  the  feeling  which  has  been  manifested 
and  which  now  exists  among  our  citizens,  in  relation  to  this  subject,  is 
intense.  The  people  feel  that  they  have  been  aggrieved  by  the  decision 
of  the  acting  Commissioner  for  this  circuit;  and  they  appeal  to  your 
Board  for  redress. 

The  simply  ask  justice;  they  request  that  respect  should  be  paid  to 
their  rights;  they  do  not  approach  your  Board  to  crave  favors;  they  are 
willing  that  the  Commissioners  should  lay  out  and  terminate  the  railroad 
with  the  law  in  their  hands  to  guide  and  direct  them  in  their  operations. 
To  this  they  think  they  may  justly  lay  claim.  To  the  law,  fairly  and 
liberally  construed,  they  are  willing  to  pay  obedience,  and  they  doubt 
not  that  the  Commissioners  will  do  the  same.  This  is  all  that  the 
people  of  Galena  demand. 

We  ask  from  the  Board  a  candid  and  respectful  consideration  of  these 
sentiments  and  opinions  thus  frankly  expressed.     We  do  not  present 
them  as  the  result  of  temporary  ebullitions  of  feeling,   but  a  deep  and 
settled  conviction  of  the  citizens  of  Galena. 
On  behalf  of  the  citizens. 

Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servants, 

T.  DRUMMOND, 
DANIEL  WANN, 
WM.  SMITH, 

Committee. 


11 

c. 

To  the  BOARD  OP  PUBLIC  WORKS. 

GENTLEMEN:  The  termination  of  the  Central  railroad  at  Galena  seems, 
by  the  proceedings  of  the  numerous  late  meetings  of  the  citizens  of  Ga- 
lena, to  produce  discontent  and  something  of  excitement. 

Now,  I  will  simply  remark  that  they  are  premature  in  all  their  pro- 
ceedings, in  regard  to  this  subject,  inasmuch  as  I  have  no  more  know- 
Jedge  of  the  point  of  termination  than  either  of  you  have.  In  regard  to 
another  survey,  I  have  proposed  to  give  it  to  them.  For  further  particu- 
lars 1  refer  you  to  Mr.  Gilbert.  My  belief  is  that  the  true  interest  of  the 
town  requires  a  depot  on  both  sides  of  the  river. 
Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  W.  STEPHENSON. 


GALENA,  May  24,  1838. 
Hon.  WILLIAM  KINNKT, 

Chairman  of  the  Board  of  PuWtc  Works  of  the  State  of  Illinois. 

SIR:  A  considerable  excitement  is  created  in  this  community,  since 
it  has  become  known  that  the  acting  Commissioner  of  the  sixth  judicial 
circuit  has  fixed  upon  the  east  side  of  Fever  river  for  the  termination  of 
the  railroad.  A  meeting  of  the  citizens  was  held  about  ten  days  ago,  for 
the  purpose  of  taking  the  subject  into  consideration,  and  expressing  their 
views  thereon.  The  resolutions  passed  at  that  meeting  afford  evidence 
of  their  entire  disapprobation,  as  you  will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  paper. 

The  inhabitants  of  Galena  have  supposed  that  so  much  deference  at 
least  would  be  paid  to  this  expression  of  their  views  as  to  cause  a  sus- 
pension of  the  works  on  the  first  section;  that  a  resurvey  would  be  made 
of  that  section,  with  a  view  to  passing  the  railroad  to  the  west  side  by 
means  of  a  bridge;  and  that  the  whole  case  would  be  submitted  to  the 
Board  for  their  decision  at  the  meeting  to  be  held  next  Monday  week. 

Having  been  disappointed  in  this  reasonable  expectation,  and  unwil- 
ling" to  chaunt  their  own  requiem,"  they  have  determined  to  postpone, 
indefinitely,  the  contemplated  celebration  of  breaking  ground,  for  which 
preparations  have  been  made  as  you  will  learn  by  the  enclosed  hand- 
bill. 

Feeling,  as  I  do,  a  deeep  interest  in  whatever  may  operate  on  the  wel- 
fare of  Galena,  from  a  long  residence,  extensive  business,  with  a  large 
amount  of  real  estate  within  its  bounds,  and  likewise  in  my  capacity  of 
a  trustee  of  the  town,  I  beg  leave  to  lay  my  views  on  the  subject  before 
your  honorable  Board,  believing  that,  on  a  full  view  of  the  case,  they 
may  be  induced  to  pause  and  reflect  before  taking  a  definite  action  in 
so  important  a  case. 

And'first  I  consider  the  decision  of  the  acting  Commissioner  to  lo- 
cate the  terminus  of  the  railroad  on  the  east  side  of  Fever  river,  to  be  in 


12 

direct  contravention  of  the  law;  because,  at  the  time  of  the  enactment  of 
the  law,  Galena  was  not  on  the  east,  but  wholly  on  the  west  side  of  the 
river;  and  to  this  day,  there  is  not  over  a  d  ozen  houses  on  that  side. 

Secondly.  Because  such  location  would  be  ruinous  to  the  interests  of 
the  inhabitants.  It  would  increase  the  obstructions  on  the  river.  It 
would  greatly  impede  the  navigation  by  steamboats,  and  often  jeopar- 
dize the  safety  of  passengers  and  freight  in  the  ferry-boats;  whilst  the 
extra  charges  consequent  on  the  deposite  of  goods  in  the  depot,  and  trans- 
portation Irom  thence  to  the  merchants'  store  in  Galena,  would  more 
than  equal  the  price  of  transportation  of  those  goods  from  Savannah, 
and  the  drayage  to  the  store. 

If  this  be  true,  why  construct  a  railroad  from  Savannah  to  Galena? 
Why  not  terminate  it  at  the  former  place? 

Besides,  it  is  a  well  known  fact  that  nearly  all  our  trade  is  derived 
from  the  west  side  of  the  river.  There  also  are  our  mineral  grounds, 
and  our  furnaces,  our  dwellings  and  improvements.  Our  territorial 
neighbors,  too,  will  not  willingly  submit  to  the  inconvenience  and  extra 
expense  of  transporting  their  lead  by  a.  ferry  to  the  depot. 

In  view  of  the  low  grounds  (subject  to  overflow,  and  at  this  time  under 
water)  on  which  the  termination  is  fixed,  and  of  all  the  circumstances  of 
the  case,  it  would  be  difficult  to  assign  any  valid  reason  for  the  decision 
of  the  acting  Commissioner.  On  the  contrary,  it  is  believed  that,  had 
the  survey  been  carried  up  four  feet  higher  (with  a  view  to  cross  the 
river  opposite  to  Galena  by  a  bridge)  the  road  might  have  been  made  at 
considerable  less  expense,  whilst  the  distance  would  have  been  shortened. 
There  are  commanding  sites  for  bridges,  both  at  the  upper  and  lower 
ends  of  the  town,  and  almost  immediately  on  a  line  with  a  point  fixed 
on  for  the  termination.  Stone  is  abundant  on  the  spot;  the  bluffs  on 
each  side  afford  ready  made  foundations  for  abutments,  and  the  distance 
across  does  not  probably  exceed  200  feet. 

Besides,  generally  speaking,  in  the  fall  and  in  the  spring,  at  the  wash- 
ing and  breaking  up  of  the  ice,  there  is  a  week  or  ten  days  each,  that 
the  passage  of  the  liver  by  the  ferry-boat  is  impracticable. 

It  is  not  to  be  disguised  th  it  there  is  a  most  decided  opposition  to  the 
present  location  on  the  part  of  this  whole  community.  They  had  wel- 
comed the  introduction  into  this  State  of  the  system  of  internal  improve- 
ment, as  a  great  public  benefit,  by  means  of  the  facilities  it  would  afford 
of  communication  with  distant  parts  of  the  State-,  and  with  other  States. 
This  decision  has  entirely  blasted  their  hopes;  and  they  will  be  forced,  if 
persisted  in,  to  consider  this  railroad  as  a  curse,  instead  of  a  blessing. 

There  is  another  view  of  the  subject,  which  I  beg  leave  to  present  for 
consideration,  namely,  the  importance  of  securing  public  favor  towards 
the  system  of  public  improvements.  If,  in  the  construction  of  these 
roads,  the  public  good  is  to  be  sacrificed  to  individual  benefits;  if  they 
are  to  be  located  without  due  reference  to  the  wants  and  convenience  of 
the  immediate  community  though  which  they  may  pass,  and  of  the  State 
generally,  then  will  the  people  veto  the  whole  system.. 

Permit  me  to1  request  the  favor  of  an  answer,  and  to  offer  an  assur- 
ance of  great  respect  and  consideration. 

H.  H.  GEAR. 


13 

RAILROAD  CELEBRATION. 

The  citizens  of  Galena  and  vicinity  are  respectfully  invited  to  meet  at 
the  Coart-house,  on  Monday  morning  next,  at  9  o'clock,  for  the  purpose 
of  celebrating  the  breaking  gjound  on  the  northern  termination  of  the 
great  Central  lailroad.  The  citizens  of  Dubuque.  Mineral  Point,  and 
the  adjoining  counties,  are  also  respectfully  invited  to  join  in  the  celebra- 
tion under  the  following  order  of  the  committee  of  arrangement. 

ORDER  OF  PROCESSION. 

Music. 

Marshal  of  the  day. 
President  and  Trustees  of  the  town. 

Clergy  and  Orator  of  the  day. 
Commissioners,  Engineers  and  Contractors. 
,  .,  (     Laborers,  with  their      ?  m,  •   ,  «      , 

Second  Marshal,       J  implements.  j  Third  Marshal. 

Members  of  Mechanics'  Institute. 

Fire  Companies. 
Hook  and  Ladder  Company. 

Members  of  the  Bar. 
Citizens  and  Strangers. 

President,  Vice-President,  and  officers  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 
Fourth  Marshal.  Fifth  Marshal. 

The  committee  appointed  the  following  gentlemen  to  act  as  Marshals 
on  the  occasion: 

Capt.  H.  H.  Gear,  Messrs.  Philip  Barry,  Wm.  B.  Green,  George  M. 
Mitchell,  Legrand  Morehouse. 

The  procession  will  form  at  the  Court-house,  and  proceed  down  Main 
street  to  the  steamboat  landing,  where  it  will  embark  on  board  of  boats 
prepared  for  the  occasion  to  take  them  to  the  vicinity  ol  the  place  where 
the  work  is  to  commence. 

A  general  invitation  is  respectfully  tendered  to  the  Indies  of  Galena, 
and  the  surrounding  country,  to  repair  on  board  the  boats  previous  to 
the  time  of  the  procession  reaching  it. 

03~  The  business  men  of  Galena  are  requested  to  close  their  stores 
and  shops  on  that  day. 

PHILIP  BARRY, 
GEORGE  M.  MITCHELL, 
JOHN  L.  SLAYMAKER, 
JOHN  H.  WEBBER, 
H.  H.  GEAR, 
WM.  SMITH, 

Committee  of  Arrangement. 
GALENA,  May  23, 1838. 


14 

GALENA,  May  28,  1838. 
To  WILLIAM  KINNEY,  Esq. 

President  of  the  Board  of  Public  Works  for  Illinois. 
SIR:  By  the  annexed  printed  account  of  a  public  meeting  the  citizens 
of  Galena,  held  on  the  17th  inst.,  it  will  be  perceived  that  it  is  made  my 
duly,  as  chairman  of  that  meeting,  to  transmit  to  the  Board  of  Public 
Works  for  Illinois  a  copy  of  their  proceedings,  which  I  now  beg  leave 
to  do  through  you,  (as  the  President  of  the  Board)  for  their  consideration, 
and  such  action  as  may  be  deemed  right  and  proper. 

I  am,  very  respectfully, 

CHARLES  S.  HEMPSTEAD. 


COMMUNICATION. 

.  At  a  large  and  respectable  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  the  town  of  Ga- 
lena, held  at  the  Court-house  on  the  1 7th  May,  1838,  convened  for  the 
object  of  taking  into  consideration  the  termination  of  the  Central  rail- 
road, Charles  JS.  Hempstead  was  called  to  the  chair,  and  R.  W.  Brush 
appointed  secretary. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  were  adopted: 

Whereas  the  law  provides  that  the  northern  termination  of  the  Cen- 
tral railroad  should  be  in  the  town  of  Galena;  and 

Whereas,  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  said  law,  Galena  was  on  tlve 
west  side  of  Fever  river;  and 

W  hercas  the  location  of  the  termination  on  the  east  side  would  cause  a 
great  depreciation  in  the  value  of  property  on  the  west  side  of  the  river, 
and  operate  injuriously  on  the  mercantile  interest,  by  the  extra  charges 
on  the  reception  and  delivery  of  goods:  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  interest  of  the  whole  town  of  Galena  imperatively 
demands  that  the  northern  termination  of  the  Central  railroad  should 
be  on  the  west  side  of  Fever  river;  and  that  we,  the  citizens  of  Galena, 
have  a  right  to  be  heard  in  the  matter,  and  will  use  all  proper  and  law- 
ful means  to  secure  the  location  of  that  termination  on  the  west  side  of 
Fever  river. 

Resolved,  That  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting  be  forwarded  to  the 
Commissioners  of  Internal  Improvements  for  the  sixth  judicial  circuit, 
and  to  the  Board  of  Internal  Improvements,  and  be  published  in  the 
newspapers  of  Galena. 

CHARLES  S.  HEMPSTEAD,  Chairman. 

R.  W.  BRUSH,  Secretary. 

GALENA,  May  28,  1838. 
Hon.  WILLIAM  KINNEY, 

Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Public  Works,  Vandalia. 
SIR:  In  my  communication  of  the  24th  inst.,  (of  which  I  transmit  a 
duplicate  herewith,  in  case   of  accident  to  the   original,)  1  omitted  to 
draw  your  attention    to  the  Chicago  and  Wisconsin  railroad,  in  connec- 
tion with  that  of  Illinois. 


15 


In  case  the  latter  should  be  passed  to  the  west  side  by  a  bridge,  and  a 
depot  established  Acre,  the  junction  would  naturally  be  made  from  the 
ridge  by  which  the  former  could  reach  this  place,  and  with  equal  advan- 
tage at  either  extremity  of  the  town  at  which  the  bridge  might  be  placed; 
bu;  if  the  terminus  contemplated  by  the  acting  Commissioner  should  be 
adopted,  it  cannot  reasonably  be  expected  a  junction  would  be  formed 
here  by  either  of  them,  inasmuch  as  the  passage  of  the  river,  being  by 
means  of  ferry,  would  make  it  necessary  for  tiiem  to  establish  a  depot  on 
this  side,  and  the  cost  of  transportation  would  be  increased  by  drayage  to 
the  boat  and  ferryage  across.  Comment  seems  unnecessary. 
I  remain,  very  respectfully, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

H.  H.  GEAR. 


D. 

CENTRAL  RAILROAD  OFFICE, 

Dixon,  December  4,  183S. 
To  JOHN  DIXON,  Esq. 

Acting  Commissioner  of  the  Sixth  Judicial  Cercuit. 

SIR:  Having  completed  the  preliminary  surveys  of  the  Central  rail- 
road in  that  part  of  the  sixth  judicial  circuit  west  of  the  Winnebago 
swamp,  agreeably  to  your  instructions,  I  have  now  the  honor  of  present- 
ing to  you  the  following  statement  of  the  nature  of  the  route  and  the 
estimated  cost  of  grading  the  same. 

Of  that  portion  of  the  road  extending  from  Galena  southerly,  twenty 
miles  located  and  put  under  contract  in  May  last,  by  order  of  the  Board 
of  Commissioners  of  Public  Woaks,  estimates,  maps,  and  profiles  have 
been  duly  rendered. 

The  progress  of  the  work  upon  this  division  may  be  seen  by  reference 
to  the  annexed  tabular  statement,  which  exhibits  the  various  kinds  of 
work  that  has  been  done  up  to  the  26th  of  November,  1838.  The  con- 
tracts let  in  may  last  were  taken,  mostly,  by  efficient  and  responsible 
contractors;  and,  notwithstanding  the  unfavorable  circumstances  which 
were  calculated  to  retard  the  progress  of  the  work  during  the  sickly  sea- 
son, the  work,  with  the  exception  of  Dr.  Powers'  and  Dougherty's  con- 
tracts, have  been  prosecuted  with  an  energy  highly  commendable  to  the 
contractors  now  engaged  upon  the  work.  The  unusual  difficulty  expe- 
rienced in  this  section  of  the  country,  last  season,  of  procuring  laborers, 
will,  mr»st  probably,  render  it  impossible  to  complete  the  grading  of  the 
whole  division  by  the  time  specified  in  the  contracts. 

The  nature  of  the  work,  as  found  during  the  progress  that  has  been 
made,  is  quite  as  favorable  as  was  anticipated,  and  it  is  confidently  be- 
lieved that  the  work  can  and  will  be  completed  without  undergoing  any 
change  from  the  present  contract  prices. 

The  line  from  the  southerly  termination  of  that  part  of  the  road  now 
under  contract  has  been  finally  located  as  far  as  Savannah,  and  is  here 
designated  as  the  third  division  south  of  Galena — distance,  ten  and  four- 
fifth  miles. 


16 

The  line,  as  located,  continues  down  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  to 
Savannah,  pass  ngover  favorable  ground  for  the  construction  of  the  road, 
except  the  last  two  miles  above  Savannah.  Here  the  high  ground  border- 
ing on  the  Mississippi  terminates  with  bold,  and,  in  several  places,  with 
almost  perpendicular  banks,  which  rise  to  the  height  of  2(JO  to  200  feet 
above  the  river.  This  is  the  only  point  attended  with  any  difficulty. 
The  line  approaches  near  the  river,  and  that  to  a  very  steep  side  hill.  At 
each  of  the  points,  it  is  proposed  to  build  a  supporting  wall  on  the  river 
side.  The  steep  side  hill  along  which  the  line  is  traced  is  composed 
principally  of  rock,  and  will  furnish  a  sufficient  supply  of  stone  suitable 
for  the  supporting  wall,  culverts,  &c.,  required  on  this  division.  The 
location  of  the  line  between  Galena  and  Savannah  is  unavoidably  confin- 
ed to  the  valleys  of  Fever  and  Mississippi  rivers,  without  the  le?»st  posibil- 
ity  of  deviating  therefrom.  The  views  of  many  individuals  in  relation  to 
the  location  of  the  road,  in  this  vicinity,  seem  to  demand  a  brief  explana- 
tion of  the  difficulty  that  would  have  to  be  encountered  in  order  to  meet 
their  views,  by  adopting  a  location  more  into  the  interior  of  the  country. 
The  formatiou  of  the  ground  in  this  vicinity  presents,  throughoul,  an 
irregular  and  broken  surface.  The  dividing  ridges  between  the  several 
streams  that  empty  into  the  Mississippi  rise  to  the  height  of  250  to  300 
foet  above  the  bottomland  of  the  valleys.  From  the  known  difficulties 
which  here  exist,  it  is  evident  that  a  route  passing  into  the  interior  of 
the  country,  or  deviating  from  the  valley  route,  would  be  entirely  im- 
practicable. 

Estimate  of  the  probable  cost  of  the  third  division. 

104,134  cubic  yards  excavation,  at  18   cents     -          *  '•*••"    $18,744  12 

17,3.36  cubic  yards  solid  rock  excavation,  at  $1  35  22,502  80 

17,356  cubic  yards  loose  rock  excavation,  at  60  cents  10,4  13  tiO 

14:3,840  cubic  yards  of  embankment,  at  20  cents  28,568  00 

300  perches  rubble  hammered  masonry  for  bridge 

abutments,  at  $6     -  1,800  00 

2  arched  culverts,  at  $250  each    -          ;  -  .500  00 

4  square  culverts,  at  $100  each     -  40000 

4,518  cubic  yards  supporting-wall,  at $1       *'--'•  4,54800 

Grubbing  and  clearing  -                        '.    ,  1,1;00  00 

Total  cost  of  ten  and  four-fifth  miles   -  • |V     $8s,?36  52 


Cost  per  mile-  .        $8.21633 

The  location  of  the  line  between  Savannah  and  the  Winnebago  swamp 
Deemed  at  first  to  present  many  difficulties  of  such  a  nature  that  the  com- 
parative advantages  of  the  different  routes  could  not  be  ascertained, 
without  a  careful  mstrunental  examination  of  a  large  extent  of  country. 
A  part  of  our  examination  was  made  with  a  view  to  comply,  if  possi- 
ble, with  the  general  instructions  of  the  Board  of  Commissioners,  requir- 
ing (at  that  time)  the  location  of  roads  to  be  made  with  a  view  to  a 


maximum  grade  of  forty  feet  per  mile.  This  could  only  be  effected  by 
continuing  down  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  some  18  or  20  miles  be- 
low Savannah,  thence  through  to  Rock  river  by  the  valley  of  the  Cat-tail 


It  is  almost  needless  to  say  that  such  a  location  would  not  benefit  the 
country,  or  even  carry  out  the  main  object  sought  to  be  accomplished 
by  the  construction  of  the  works. 

The  next  line  examined  between  Savannah  and  the  Upper  rapids  on 
Rock  river,  continues  down  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  about  eight 
miles;  leaving  the  valley,  the  line  then  follows  up  the  valley  of  Johnson's 
creek  to  the  dividing  ridge  between  Johnson  and  Little  Rock  creeks; 
thence  to  Rock  river,  passing  over  an  undulating  and  broken  surface. 
The  principal  difficulty  encountered  on  this  line  is  the  crossing  of  seve- 
ral branches  of  the  tittle  Rock  and  Elkhorn  creeks,  The  general  direc- 
tion of  these  streams  are  about  at  right  angles  to  the  course  of  the  line. 
The  maximum  grade,  by  this  route,  is  71  feet  per  mile. 

At  the  time  these  examinations  were  made,  my  division  extended  only 
to  Rock  river  —  each  line  corresponding  with  the  examinations  that 
were  made  by  the  engineer  in  charge  of  the  surveys  in  the  seventh  ju- 
dicicl  circuit. 

According  to  given  instructions  of  August  last,  my  examinations 
were  continued  south  of  the  river  to  the  Winnebago  swamp,  connecting 
with  the  line  as  finally  located  from  this  place  to  Peru. 

It  may  be  proper  here  to  remark  that,  from  the  several  examinations 
made  in  18;  7,  it  was  ascertained  that  the  most  favorable  point  of  cros- 
sing the  Winnebago  swamp  was  at  the  Rocky  ford;  this,  then,  being  de- 
termined, our  subsequent  surveys  were  directed  to  this  point. 

During  the  surveys  made  through  this  section  of  country,  upwards  of 
220  miles  have  been  instrumentally  examined.  Maps,  profiles,  and  esti- 
mates have  been  made  of  such  lines  as  appearedt  o  be  the  most  favorable; 
and  after  comparing  the  results  of  the  different  lines,  I  have  selected  the 
one  that  was  found  least  expensive  and  be?t  suited  to  the  wants  of  the 
cruntry.  For  a  more  particular  and  detailed  description  of  this  route, 
I  beg  leave  to  submit  to  you  the  report  of  G.  W.  Clarke,  as  exhibiting 
the  result  of  our  examinations. 

From  the  geographical  position  of  this  part  of  the  country,  it  will 
be  seen  that  the  country  to  the  southwest  of  this  route  has,  at  most 
seasons  of  the  year,  the  benefit  conferred  upon  it  by  the  navigation  of  the 
Mississippi;  consequently,  the  advantages  resulting  to  the  work  are  by 
no  means  so  great  or  beneficial  to  the  country  as  it  will  be  by  adopting 
the  northern  route. 

It  is  evident  that  the  further  into  the  interior  this  road  can  be  carried, 
without  incurring  additional  expense  in  connecting  the  points  named  in 
the  internal  improvement  law,  .the  greater  will  be  the  benefit  resulting 
from  it. 

Another  and  an  important  consideration  is,  that  this  route  passes 
through  tho  most  beautiful  and  fertile  section  of  country  to  be  found 
between  the  Mississippi  and  Rock  rivers.  The  rapidity  with  which  this 
portion  of  the  country  is  now  settling,  and  the  evident  prosperity  of  the 
town  of  Dixon,  Buffalo  Grove,  the  Elkhorn,  and  Prestonville  settle- 
I 


18 

ments,  furnish  sufficient  evidence  to  justify  the  conclusion,  that  the  loca- 
tion, as  here  recommended,  is  decidedly  best  calculated  to  promote  the 
interests  of  Ihe  work. 

Respectfully  submitted  by  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  B.  GJ. BERT,  Civil  Engineer. 


STATE  OF  ILLINOIS.  Fayclte  county: 

Personally  came  before  the  undersigned,  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  in 
and  for  said  county,  William  B.  Gilbert,  and  made  oath  that  the  facts 
and  statements  by  him  set  forth  in  the  foregoing  report,  as  engineer,  and 
signed  by  him,  are  true  according  to  the  best  of  his  knowledge  and 
belief. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  this  8th  day  of  January,  1839. 

W.  HODGE,  J.  P.-F.  C. 


Table  of  Grades  for  Third  Division  south  of  Galena. 


No.  of  grades. 

Distances,  in  feet. 

Inclination  per 
mile. 

Direction  of  each    grade. 

1 

.'2100 

11.5 

Ascending. 

•2 

.3000 

46.8 

Descending. 

3 

1.1520 

— 

Level. 

4 

.4000 

51.2 

Ascending, 

5 

.4000 

6.7 

Descending. 

6 

.2900 

5.6 

Ascending. 

7 

.2500 

7.6 

Descending. 

8 

.380) 

60.4 

Descending. 

9 

.1500 

49.7 

Ascending. 

10 

.5100 

T2.3 

Descending. 

11 

1.1220 

7.3 

Ascending. 

12 

.1500 

27.6 

Ascending. 

13 

.1500 

23.9 

Descending. 

14 

1.1200 

— 

Level. 

15 

.3500      , 

14.6 

Descending. 

16 

.2100 

28.8 

Ascending, 

Total 

10  4-5  miles 

To  WILLIAM  B.  GILBERT,  Esq. 

Senior  Assistant  Engineer  on  the  Central  Railroad. 

SIR:  After  having  completed  the  experimental  surveys  committed  to 
my  charge,  between  Savannah,  on  the  Mississippi,  and  Rocky  ford  in 
Winnebago  swamp,  lam  enabled  to  present  the  following  report,  which 
is  respectfully  submittcgU 

The  route  has  been  divided  into  the  following  five  divisions,  viz: 

First  division,  from  Savannah  to  one  mile  east  of  Prestonville. 

Second  division,  from  one  mile  east  of  Prestonville  to  the  junction  of 
the  line  with  the  Galena  road,  three  miles  west  of  Chamber's  grove. 


19 

Third  division,  from  last  point  to  St.  Marion,  in  Buffalo  grove. 

Fourth  division,  from  St.  Marion  to  Dixon,on  Rock  river. 

Fifth  divi-    in,  from  Dixon  to  Rocky  ford. 

The  route  lias  also  been  sub-divided  into  49  sections,  corresponding 
to  the  grades.  The  excavation  and  embankment  have  been  calculated 
for  each  section,  but,  for  convenience,  the  totals  for  each  division  are 
here  exhibited  in  table  B  appended.  The  remarks  which  follov,  will 
refer  to  the  divisions,  in  order,  commencing  with  the 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

From  Savannah  to  the  vicinity  of  the  Small  lakes,  4i  miles  to  the 
southeast  of  that  place,  the  ground  is  admirably  adapted  to  the  cheap 
construction  of  the  road.  Sand  stone  of  a  good  quality  is  found  here  in. 
abundance,  for  the  .construction  of  the  bridge  across  Plumb  river,  and 
the  culverts  required  in  this  section.  From  the  vicinity  of  the  Small 
lakes,  the  summits  of  the  dividing  ridge  between  Straddle  and  John- 
son's creeks,  an  elevation  of  near  200  feet  is  obtained  by  grades  of  62 
and  64  feet  per  mile.  On  such  grades,  at  a  velocity  of  10  miles  per 
hour,  a  locomotive  can  draw  but  one-fourth  the  load  it  will  draw  on  a 
level;  consequently,  the  load  on  the  whole  line  would  have  to  be  accom- 
modated to  these  steep  grades,  This  fact  shows  the  necessity  of  reduc- 
ing the  grades,  if  possible,  even  at  an  increased  expense.  With  this  ob- 
ject in  view,  1  made  a  reconnoissance  of  a  route  to  the  north  of  the 
dividing  ridge;  commencing  near  Prestonville,  following  down  a  branch 
to  Straddle  creek;  down  that  creek  to  its  confluence  with  Plumb  river, 
by  the  southeast  side  of  said  river  to  Bowen's  saw-mill,  crossing  the 
river  at  this  place;  thence  by  a  favorable  line  to  Savannah.  It  is  to  be 
observed  that  the  crossing  of  Plumb  river  ?.t  this  place  is  very  good,  as 
both  sides  are  furnished  with  solid  rock  abutments;  and  the  only  expense 
will  be  the  superstructure,  which  cannot  exceed  $4,000.  The  objec- 
tions offered  to  this  route  are  the  crossings  of  Straddle  creek  several 
times  with  bridges,  and  the  increase  of  distance  probably  from  a  half 
to  three-fourths  of  a  mile.  This  route  is  worthy  of  a  survey  before  a 
final  location. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

This  division,  consisting  of  about  14'  miles,  contains  but  nine-tenths  of 
a  mile  of  3l  feet  grade,  and  the  remainder  all  below  25  feet  per  mile. 
The  line  here  is  on  the  top  of  the  ridge,  thereby  avoiding  culvert  mason- 
ry and  expensive  grading. 

The  soil  of  this,  as  of  the  preceding  division,  is  of  a  rich  alluvial  char- 
acter, and  will  present  no  difficult  rock  cutting. 

This  ridge  divides  the  waters  of  Straddle  creek  on  the  north  from 
those  of  Little  Rock  river  at  the  south,  and,  five  miles  east  of  Preston- 
ville, is  intersected  by  a  ridge  from  the  south,  dividing  the  waters  of 
Johnson's  creek  from  those  of  Little  Rock  river,  at  a  hill  which  may  be 
appropriately  called  Ridge  Knob.  By  keeping  on  the  ridge,  all  those 
objection,  are  avoided  which  must  hold  against  aline  run  further  south; 
for  it  must  necessarily  cross  the  above  named  ridge,  the  marshy  district 
of  Cat-tail  swamp,  the  valley  of  Johnson's  creek,  and  the  valley  of  Little 


20 

Rock  river.     In  fact,  it  seems  impossible  to  choose  a  line  in  this  brolu 
district  of  country,  more  admirably  adapted  for  the    construction  of  a 
railroad  than  the  one  which  has  just  been  surveyed. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

From  the  end  of  the  second  division,  the  bottom  of  Middle  creek  is  at- 
tained by  a  descending  grade  of  live  feet  per  mile,  for  two  miles.  The 
creek  boitom  is  from  five  to  six  hundred  feet  wide,  and  of  a  gradual 
slope,  permitting  the  HHC,  which  is  nearly  straight  here,  to  be  located  on 
a  dry  and  substantial  soil.  From  the  mouth  of  Middle  creek,  the  line 
ascends  Elk"horn  creek  to  Chamber's  mill;  one-fourth  mile  south  of  which  it 
commences  to  ascend  the  ridge  at  a  grade  of  63  feet  per  mile,  lor  near  a 
mile  and  a  half;  thence  to  Buffalo  grove  oy  a  gradual  ascent,  a  distance 
of  13J  miles.  For  the  distance  of  four  and  a  half  miles,  the  valleys  of 
Middle  and  Elkhorn  creeks  present  a  surface  very  even,  and  easily  gradu- 
ated, admitting  of  grades  not  exceeding  14  feet  per  mile. 

Near  the  creek,  in  section  21,  is  found  a  horizontal  strata  of  sand  stone 
easily  quarried,  which  will  .furnish  stone  for  the  culverts  in  this  section, 
and  for  the  bridges  across  Middle  and  Elkhorn  creeks. 

It  may  be  proper  here  to  mention  the  probability  of  finding  another 
route,  which  may  have  the  effect  to  shorten  this  division  from  two  to 
three  miles.  This  proposed  route  commences  at  the  end  of  the  last  divi- 
sion, and,  instead  of  descending  to  Middle  creek,  keeps  the  ridge  to  the 
timber  of  Chamber's  grove;  descends  to  Elkhorn  creek  above  Chamber's 
mill,  and  ascends  the  valley  of  a  large  branch  of  Elkhorn  which  heads 
near  Buffalo  grove.  The  allotted  time  for  the  completion  of  the  survey 
did  not  permit  me  to  make  a  thorough  reconnoissance  of  this  part  of  the 
country. 

From  the  valley  of  Middle  creek  near  its  confluence  with  Elkhorn. 
a  line  was  run  nine  and  a  half  miles  in  length,  passing  up  a  spur  into  the 
main  dividing  ridge  between  Elkhorn  and  Eagle  creeks.  This  line 
passes  half  a  mile  west  of  Journay's  store,  continues  the  ridge  to  the 
north  of  Waterberry's,  claim;  thence  to  an  intersection  with  the  line 
previously  run  at  Barr's  on  the  west  edge  of  Buffalo  grove.  It  proved 
250  feet  longer  than  the  one  on  which  the  estimate  was  made,  and  was 
objectionable  as  regards  curvature,  there  being  a  curve,  near  the  creek, 
of  GOO  feet  radius. 

FOURTH  DIVISION. 

This  division  commences  at  the  flourishing  little  village  of  St.  Marion, 
in  Buffalo  grove,  and  extends  to  Dixon,on  Rock  river. 

The  alluvial  character  of  the  soil,  and  easy  graduation  of  this,  much 
resembles  that  of  the  second  division. 

A  bridge  will  be  required  to  cross  Rock  river,  of  the  following  dimen- 
sions: 630  feet  in  length;  three  arches  210  feet  square;  two  piers  16  feet 
thick,  and  35  feet  wide  at  the  foundation,  tapering  to  1 1  feet  thick  and 
3 1  feet  wide  at  the  springing  of  the  arch.  This  bridge  must  have  an 
elevation  of  35  feet  above  the  common  stage  of  water,  so  as  not  to  inter- 
fere with  the  steamboat  navigation  of  Rock  river.  The  width  of  the 


21 

bridge  to  be  30  feet,  so  as  to  furnish  a  ro;ul-\vay  for  teams,  and  li 
duct  for  the  railroad,  agreeably  to  the  provision  of  the  State  law.  The 
estimat';<i  cost  of  this  bridge,  calculated  from  the  foregoing  dimensions, 
will  be  found  in  table  B.  Stone  oi  a  suitable  quality  can  be  obtained 
near  at  hand,  and  cannot  exceed  live  dollars  per  perch.  The  superstruc- 
ture on  the  plan  of  Col.  Long,  so  generally  adopted  throughout  the 
Unit  -:d  State?,  cannot  fail  to  furnish  ;\  permanent  and  beautiful  ^ruc- 
ture,  partaking  of  that  stability  so  honorable  to  State  work-. 

FIFTH  DIVISION. 

Oar  last  fi^d  operation  was  the  completion  of  this  division  on  the  fifth 
of  the  present  month.  The  distance  irom  Dixon  to  the  end  of  this  divi- 
sion is  13.6  miles,  somewhat  shorter  than  the  road.  On  this  division 
there  are  three  miles  of  5o  feet  grade;  two  miles  of  30  feet;  and  the  re- 
maining grades  not  exceeding  six  feet  per  mile. 

Route  from  the  end  of  the  Second  Division,  via  Elklwrn  grow,  to  its  intersec- 
tion with  the  former  line  at  Rock  riccr. 

.  It  yet  remains  for  me  to  give  you  some  account  of  this  line,  on  which 
time  has  not  permitted  an  estimate  to  be  made.  From  near  the  Galena 
road  three  miles  west  of  Chambers  grove,  the  line  keeps  the  ridge  to  the 
south,  which  it  descends  by  a  grade  of  50  feet  per  mile,  for  two  miles,  to 
Humphries1  claim,  where  it  crosses  Elkhorn  creek,  and  passes  through 
the  fine  timber  of  that  grove,  for  four  and  a  half  miles.  In  this-distance 
the  line  overcomes  two  summits — the  one  on  the  ridge  dividing  the 
waters  of  Elkhorn  from  those  of  Eagle  creek,  near  .Morgan's  claim; 
the  other  at  the  school-house  on  Clark's  claim,  on  the  ridge  dividing 
Eagle  creek  from  Buffalo  creek.  The  first  ridge  is  ascended  by  a  grade 
of  56  feet,  and  descended  by  a  grade  of  40  feet  per  mile.  The  second 
ridge  is  ascended  by  a  grade  of  5*2  feet  per  mile,  and  descended  by  a 
grade  of  48  feet  per  mile.  From  the  point  which  is  now  attained  near 
Thomas  Wardin's  house,  the  line  proceeds  across  the  valley  of  Buffalo 
creek  over,  a  gently  undulating  plain,  to  the  Hamilton  Mounds;  thence 
across  the  valleys  of  Sugar  creek  and  Dry  run,  by  the  claims  of  Mr.  Fel- 
lows and  Col.  Stephenson,  to  Rock  river. 

The  route  on  which  the  estimate  is  made  is  preferable  to  this  as  to 
grades;  though  the  undulations  of  this  line  are  somewhat  compensated 
by  the  fine  timber  it  passes  through. 

CURVATURE. 

There  are  but  two  curves  on  the  estimated  line,  of  TOO  feet  radius;  all 
others  exceed  1,900  feet  radius — the  (irst  offering  a  resistance  of  two 
and  a  half  pounds  per  ton,  and  the  second  near  half  a  pound  per  ton. 
The  curvature  will  !><•  diminished,  and  the  line  shortened,  on  a  location. 

Thus,  you  have  a  brief  account  of  the  survey  since  I  entered  the  ser- 
vice on  the  iiOth  of  August  la>t. 

While  sickness  made  its  ravages  among  several  of  the  brigades  in  the 
service,  we  must  express  our  gratitude  for  the  uniform  good  health 
which  has  existed  in  the  party  during  the  whole  campaign. 

The  members  of  the  party  generally  have  discharged  their  respective 
duties  in  a  very  harmonious  and  satisfactory  manner.  Messrs.  George 


22 

H.  Hubbell  and  Henry  \Vinir,  my  assistant*,  hnvc   been   remarkably  at- 
tentive to  their  duties,  and  deserve  the  highest  commendation. 

After  a  careful  examination  of  the  country  between  the  Mississippi 
ami  Rock  rivers,  ;ind  considering  that,  20  miles  below  Dixon,  these 
rivers  appro-irh  within  15  miles  ofrach  other,  thereby  in  a  measure  su- 
perceding  Ihe  necessity  oi  corn  muni  cation  by  a  railroad.  I  must  expre-, 
my  decided  opinion  in  favor  of  Dixon,  as  a  crossing  place.  This  flour- 
ishing town,  beautifully  situated  on  the  banks  of  Rock  river,  become--  a 
point  necessarily  independent  of  any  local  consideration,  for  it  is  but  two 
miK's  north  of  a  straight  line  drawn  from  Savanna!)  to  Ilo.-ky  ford;  and 
in  that  distance,  cither  above  or  below  the  town,  it  wotiKi  be  impossible 
to  h'nd  so  favorabl".  a  crossing  place.  The  water  here  is  never  known 
to  overflow  its  ban'x>,  and  abundance  of  stone  is  found  on  the  margin 
of  the  river. 

The  benefits  conferred  on  the  thickly  settled  groves  of  Elkhorn  and 
Buffalo,  through  which  the  road  passes,  and  the  great  extent  of  fanning 
country/which  will  be  immediately  benefited  by  it,  are  sufficient  of 
themselves  to  fix  the  location  of  the  road  in  this  favored  land.  The  sa- 
lubrity of  the  climate,  and  the  fertility  of  the  soil,  must  increase  the  un- 
exampled emigration  which  has  been  flowing  to  this  part  of  the  State  for 
several  year-  past.  The  soil  will  support  and  enrich  them;  and  when 
we  consider  that  one  thousand  .  persons  per  week  passed  through  Chi- 
cago alone  during  this  fall,  on  their  way  to  this  great  and  growing  coun- 
try, we  see  this  view  realized. 

Independent  of  the  immediate  interests  of  her  citizens,  the  State  must 
reap  great  advantages  by  the  value  orthe  stock,  which,  like  that  of  the 
State  improvement  in  New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  must  become  im- 
mensely valuable,  and  yield  a  handsome  revenue  to  her  treasury. 

The  transportation  of  articles  for  the  consumption  of  the  "orthern 
part  of  Illinois,  and  the  population  who  are  rapidly  settling  the  Black 
Hawk  purchase  in  the  new  Territory  of  Iowa,  must  be  done  by  the  com- 
munication which  this  road  will  open  with  the  great  chain  of  northern 
lakes.  Its  construction  is  now  loudly  called  for,  when  we  consider 
that  the  low  stage  of  water  in  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  has  prevented 
merchandize  to  the  amount  of  more  than  a  million  of.  dollars  from  as- 
cending the  river  to  supply  the  market  of  Galena  above,  and  must  now 
be  prevented  from  reaching  its  destination,,  in  consequence  of  the  ice, 
until  the  close  of  the  winter  season. 

For  the  details  of  grade,  distance,  levels,  &c.,  you  are  referred  to 
table  A  in  the  appendix.  For  the  estimated  cost  of  excavation  and  em- 
bankment, &c.,  you  are  referred  to  table  B. 

It  is  to  be  remarked  that  the  line  obtained  by  survey  is  06.9  miles  in 
length,  and  the  distance  between  the  extreme  points  in  a  straight  line  is 
50  miles,  thereby  furnishing  the  favorable  proportion  of  the  straight  line 
to  a  curvilinear  line  for  the  railroad,  as  four  is  to  five  nearly.  The 
average  cost  is  $4,*23(>  per  mile,  which  appears  sufficiently  liberal,  con- 
sidering the  nature  of  the  ground. 

With  the  highest  respect. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

GEORGE  W.  CLARKE, 
Engineer  on  the  Central  Railroad. 


274 


A. 
Table  exhibiting  the  route  from  Savannah  via    D-ixonrille,  nn  Rock   river,  to 


u 

ji 
u 

Inclinuiion. 

<  .'ra<!r  per  mile. 

Milcn  from  Sa- 

\aimali. 

—  _ 
c  "r1 
Location. 

1! 

!             5t£ 

Descent 

28.25 

20.25 

Savannah. 

'.  '..I 

Level 

. 

1.309 

4.20 

Bottom  land. 

3  1 

A-cent 

1.998 

27.60 

Cross  Rum  river. 

4 

Descent 

8.71 

3.827 

11.60 

Near  lakes. 

5 

1  .5  i  5 

Ascent 

64.-J4 

5.342 

110.00 

Plough  in  prairie. 

6 

795 

u 

7.65 

6.137 

116.09 

.. 

1" 

1,401 

.. 

62.H4 

7.538 

203.04 

High  mound. 

8.          681 

« 

15.57 

8.219 

213.06 

Summit. 

9 

1,439 

Descent 

12.40 

9.653 

196.20 

Opposite  Preston's. 

10 

1,590 

Ascent 

29.30 

11.248 

242.82 

Master's  house. 

11 

1,174 

Descent 

3.96 

238.17 

u 

12 

1,515 

Ascent 

7.92 

13.937 

Open  prairie. 

13 

41 

21.0-2 

15.490 

Ridge  Knob. 

14 

1.212 

U 

5.01 

16.702 

289.01 

u 

15 

1.742 

Descent 

6.33 

18.444 

277.07 

Road  to  Dixon. 

16 

909 

•nt 

25.08 

19.353 

301.01 

't 

17 

1,515 

Descent 

3.16 

20.868 

296.21 

On  high  ridge. 

18 

2,310 

Ascent 

9.50 

23.173 

318.17 

" 

19 

946 

.. 

31.94 

24.124 

34 

u 

1,098 

Level 

- 

25.222 

-     . 

On  ridge. 

21 

2,613 

Descent 

57..").") 

27.835 

198.00 

Valley  "of  Middle  creek. 

2,651 

.. 

14.78 

30.486 

158.80 

u 

49 

1,931  : 

Ascent 

7.39 

173.08 

Valley  ofElkhorn. 

24 

1,704 

.. 

34421 

261.98 

Chamber's  mill. 

25 

2,083 

.. 

5.91 

36.204 

294.30 

u 

26 

.. 

22.70 

37.94G 

333.86 

.  Canadian  claim. 

27 

Descent 

2.90 

38.817 

331.33 

Barr's. 

28 

1,439 

.. 

66.00 

40.256 

236.33 

Buffalo  creek. 

29 

113 

Level 

. 

40.369 

- 

St.  Marion. 

30 

1.325      Accent 

58.13 

41.694 

314.73 

KelJog's  claim. 

31 
32 

-cent 

28.51 
12.67 

43.436 

265.0i 
278.97 

Steohenson's  claim. 
Prairie. 

33 

1,363 

Descent 

35.90 

45.897 

230.01 

Gee's  farm. 

34 

719 

n 

58.34 

46.616 

188.02 

Dividing  .ridge. 

35 

1,023 

Ascent 

46.20 

47.639 

237.02 

Prairie. 

36 

2.197 

" 

5.96 

49.836 

250.12 

Cross  Galena  road. 

37 

530 

Descent 

36.16 

50.366 

230.94 

38 

1,628 

" 

4.64 

51.994 

223.46 

Charter's  farm. 

39 

it 

65.20 

54.156 

82.50 

River  hill. 

40 

217 

Level 

- 

54.373 

_ 

Dixon. 

WISXEBAOO  DIVISION. 

41 

2.272 

Ascent 

58.13 

56.645 

216.90      Talmage's. 

42 

758 

Descent 

6.23 

57.403 

21244 

43 

758 

.. 

58.08 

58.161 

163.14 

Three-mile  branch. 

44 

1,098 

Ascent 

30.01 

59.259 

201.11 

45 

1,551 

.. 

4.48 

ee.812 

208.08 

Prairie. 

46 

947 

.t 

61.7:)!) 

230.08 

Summit. 

47 

871 

Descent 

30.83 

62.6.30 

203.17 

Prairie. 

43 

2,2.14 

- 

3.56 

64.863 

195.20 

«4 

49 

41 

6.60 

66.986 

181.20 

Winnebago. 

24 


B. —  Table   erhibiting  the  ettimated  cost  of  Graduation. 
FIRST   DIVISION,    11.25   mill'.-. 


Sections. 

Excavation,  embankment,    bridges, 
culverts,  itc. 

.8-5 
-°  b 

31 

Perches 
of  stone. 

o 

0 

£ 

<~- 
°^ 
SS 

cS° 

Total 
amount. 

4 
5 
7 
8 
10 
1 

Excavation 
Embankment 
,'i7  1  rods  of  Drubbing     - 
Culvert  2  by  2 
Bridge  10  by  six 
Cuivert  4  by  4 
Culvert  2  l> 
Bridge  at  Rum  river 
300  t'eet   superstructure 

MSU315 
1  30,47  f> 

- 

i 

II 
164 
67 
14 
640 

;$0  18 
19 
62i 
3  00 
3  00 
3  00 
3  01) 
3  00 
15 

$26,880  48 
•24,786  41 
231  87 
42  00 
492  00 
201  00 
42  00 
1,920  00 
.4,500  00 

$59,095  79 
43,320  77 

53,410  76 
76,281  23 
51,682  94 

SECOND  DIVISION,  13.97  miles. 

13 

Excavation 
Embankment 
Culvert  2  by  2 

109,935 
167,372 

17 

15 
16 
3  00 

16,4!)'i  - 
26,779  52 
51  00 

THIRD  DIVISION,  16.47  iniles. 

91 

•24 
26 

28 
30 

Excavation 
Embankment 
Bridge  at  .Middle  creek 
50  feet  superstructure 
2  culverts  .'i  by  3 
Bridge  at  Elkhorn  creek 
90  feet  superstructure 
200  rods  grubbing 
Culvert  3  by  3                - 
2  culverts  2  by  2 
Bridge  on  Buffalo  creek 
SO  lent  superstructure 
•rt  2  by  2 
Culvert  3  by  3 

160,746 
120,658 

64 

6S 

120 

- 

r,7 

K 

150 

25 
33 

17 
18 
:>  r,0 
15 
2  50 
3  '00 
15 
62  i 
.'!  00 
3  00 
3  00 
15  00 
3  00 
2  00 

27,326  N;2 
21.718  44 
160  00 
750  00 
162  50 
360  00 
1,350  00 
125  00 
171  00 
96  00 
450  00 
GOO  1)0 
.  75  00 
66  00 

FOURTH  DIVISION,  12.67  miles. 

Excavation 
Embankment 
3  culverts 
Bridge  at  Rock  river,  masonry,  rub- 
ble work 
700  feet  superstructure 
2  culverts 
160'rods  grubbing 

123,823 
113,515 

68 
4,540 
46 

16 
17 
3  00 

5  00 
20  00 
3  00 
50 

19,811  68 
19,297  55 
204  00 

22,750  00 
14,000  00 
138  00 
80  00 

FIFTH  DIVISION,  22.61  miles. 

8 
7 
6 

6 

4 
1 

Excavation 
Embankment 
1  culvert 
2  culverts 
1  culvert 
1  culvert 
Bridge  on  Three-mile  branch 
1  culvert 

194,810 
108,402 

28 
46 
28 
80 
480 
33 

16 
17 
3  00 
3  00 
3  00 
3  00 
3  00 
3  00 

31,167  60 
18,428  34 
84  00 
138  00 
84  00 
240  00 
1,440  00 
99  00 

Total  amount        ... 
Cost  per  mite          .....        $4,236  00 

283,791  49 

HE 


